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3/18/11

Clean power from garbage dumps

The production of energy from solar power and biogas from landfill sites is expected to greatly enhance the country's energy independence and security in the near future.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said although the issue of waste management may sound unglamorous to some, it presents a huge challenge for developed and developing nations, in rural and urban areas alike.

"I have long been a supporter of sustainable, renewable energy to fuel our factories and power our homes."That is why, on March 8, I announced nine more Entry Points Projects (EPP) under the Economic Transformation Programme's fourth update."One of these was the Renewable Energy Park Project by Cypark Resources Bhd."

He said the energy park project alone was expected to generate a gross national income of more than RM12 million a year, amounting to RM260 million for the next 21 years."Four years ago, when the government identified 16 critical dumpsites that needed to be closed in a safe, sanitary and environmentally-friendly way, Cypark was given the task and they have done an excellent job."

Speaking at the launch of the energy park in Pajam near here yesterday, Najib said the park would be developed further into a scalable renewable energy site, capable of generating up to 10MW of clean power.

"This power, which is enough to supply 3,500 homes, is from this Pajam landfill alone."Eventually, investments will come close to RM100 million, which provides a much needed boost for local businesses and jobs for people."

Najib said the Pajam initiative was expected to create more than 100 jobs before the operational stage and another 20 after.

"Beyond job creation, it will further intensify research and development in the field of green technology, giving rise to a new generation of knowledge workers and technologists.

"This is not the kind of know-how we can simply import because of the characteristics of our waste and weather, and so many other critical factors that are unique to this country that require tailored, local and specialised solutions.

"So, we need to invest in and facilitate the creation of our own Malaysian talent pool, building up our expertise and then exporting it to neighbouring countries," he said.